ASUW approves justice, executive positions at final meeting

This Tuesday marked the last meeting of the semester for the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming Senate. On the agenda was the approval of a returning justice for the ASUW Judicial Council, as well as the new administration’s revised job descriptions for the six ASUW executive positions.

The brief 45-minute session commenced with the swearing-in of the newly elected senators from the College of Business, Angela Barrett, Phillip Abernathy and Katie Cusack, who were elected following a re-election in the college due to a complaint filed about the elections.

The senate unanimously voted to approve Heather Welch as a justice for the ASUW Judicial Council. Heather has served as an interim justice after Matt Haigler stepped down as chief justice in preparation for his presidential bid.

As their only other item of business, the senate approved the job descriptions authored by President Matt Haigler and Vice President Danee Hunzie for next year’s ASUW executives. The descriptions changed little from last year, though President Haigler informed the senate that all six had been modified to include the phrase, “at least two hours per week must be recorded outside of the ASUW Office directly interacting with students.”

“It’s direct interaction, maybe sitting at a table, or recruiting SafeRide volunteers,” Haigler said about the new policy. He also said that he and the vice president would be committing to the same two hour requirement.

The positions for ASUW’s chief of staff, as well as the directors of Public Relations & Marketing, Policy Planning and Diversity & Student Outreach were passed unanimously with little to no discussion.

There were some questions raised by Senator-at-Large Rey Fuentes in regard to new obligations placed upon the Director of Finance, who will be required to host a financial literacy presentation each semester.

The new responsibility was added in response to legislation previously approved by the senate, which officially established the new A.L. Lupton Endowment for Financial Literacy.

Also approved was the much-discussed position of director of campus communication. This executive will be responsible for oversight of the operations of the ASUW student radio station, as well as maintaining a new discussion board and the Student Housing Directory.

Applications for ASUW executive positions are due by 4 p.m. Monday and are now available in the ASUW Office.

ASUW adviser Matt Caires said he was excited about this upcoming year and specifically praised Fuentes for assuming the Senator-at-Large position, which is offered to the runners-up in the ASUW presidential elections. He said that there was “no question” that Fuentes “will be one of the strong leaders.” Caires also expressed hope that this administration and senate would be able to reform the ASUW elections process, as well as respond appropriately to “potential” budget cuts at UW.

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